By now you’ve probably already seen this short video, but if you haven’t take a look at it now.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbfQo2ilHtE&w=480&h=360]

I’m friends with 100’s of DJ’s and other wedding professionals on Facebook so I’ve seen this video posted many times and read 1000’s of words of opinion on it in the last week or so.

Many people blame the officiant.  To me it’s clear that he’s probably not a nice person, his outburst was ill advised and he really should have focused on the couple looking to get married standing in front of him, not the photographers taking pictures behind him.  If they were getting on his nerves he should have been a professional, finished the ceremony and then talked to them afterwards. 

Some folks blame the photographer.  What was he doing back there?  Why was he snapping pictures like crazy?  He really should have been more respectful.  Etc. Etc.

I think this video provides a great lesson, but you’re not going to find it by trying to figure out who was right or who was wrong.  You gotta go deeper.  What caused this?  What really caused this unfortunate incident.  In my opinion and as with many problems in life, it was a lack of communication.

If the priest felt this strongly about photographers standing behind him (I’m certain this is not the first time it’s happened.  I’ve seen photographers moving behind the minister at many of my weddings.) he should have voiced those concerns to his couple, and even called the photographer beforehand to make sure they were aware of his desire to not have them stand behind them.

The photographer, likewise, could have stopped this from happening by finding out who the couples officiant was, and making a 1 minute phone call to find out if the priest had any special instructions for them.

Instead, nobody talked to anybody, each individual did their own thing, and tempers flared. 

It’s an ugly incident that could have been prevented if only one of the people involved reached out and expressed their needs and wants….you know, like grown professional adults.

Please check out my website at www.DavidHoytEntertainment then feel free to give me a call or text at 602-748-8469.  Thanks!